Select Seeds Catalog A-Z

Our first and still most favorite agastache that hummers love too- we often see them buzz possessively around the abundant blossoms. This tough as nails selection from Ginny Hunt is tall and graceful with masses of peachy-pink flower wands blooming all summer and fall, one of the longest flowering selections! For well-drained, even sharply drained soils. Deadhead and supply regular watering until established, when it will tolerate periods of drought. Wait until spring to cut back for enhanced winter survival.

A graceful hardy begonia with cascading tresses of bloom in clear pink, a shade that complements the large, silky, pear-green leaves. An all summer flowering gem for shaded areas of the garden with hostas at its feet, or grown in large containers and overwintered indoors dormant. For moist, organic, well-drained soils.

Large velvety blossoms have unique dimpled centers and differing shades of rich rose pink. A summer long show of flowers is yours, for it really comes into its own in high summer in fertile, humus rich soils. A touch of afternoon shade is welcome where heat is unrelenting.

Poor Man's Orchid they called it in the early 1800s, named for the open-faced flowers of white, pink, red and violet, each with delicate markings of varying colors arrayed along the pale green stems. A branching habit allows for a multitude of blooms that eventually fade as summer heat takes over. Also, fun to grow as a windowsill plant for a needed flowery reminder that spring will come!

An heirloom variety mix of pastel to bright colors and single to fringed double flowers on long stems just made for cutting. Easy care too, just deadhead for continuous bloom. Self-sows. Attracts beneficial insects such as ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings that helpfully deplete your veggie patch of pests.

The indispensable “pot marigold” of old Pharmacopoeia has been transformed. Beautiful large flowers in new shades of cream to apricot pink are good cut flowers, host beneficial insects, and nurture pollinators. Deadhead regularly to keep the blooms coming.

A mix of yellow, pinky-peach and bi-colored blooms, all with a flash of deep red on the reverse. Pull individual petals for sprinkling on the top of salads or incorporate into quickbreads.Attracts beneficial insects ladybugs, hoverflies, and lacewings.

A large architectural plant that has large leaves with a silvery cast and upright tresses of pink bristly seed pods that follow the small flowers. Quick growing in warm summer weather, it makes the focal point of an island bed, perhaps encircled with caladiums and coleus, a favored treatment in Victorian times. Seeds extremely toxic, keep away from children and pets at all times.

We were not surprised to learn this new variety received a top award this year, for we were impressed with its vigor, exceptional healthy foliage and, of course, its many spires of long-lasting opulent blooms. Grow perfect bushy pots or colorful all summer long gardens.

We were not surprised to learn this new variety received a top award this year, for we were impressed with its vigor, exceptional healthy foliage and, of course, its many spires of long-lasting opulent blooms. Grow perfect bushy pots or colorful all summer long gardens.

When I gaze (lovingly) on the embroidered petals of these pinks, I feel transported to an earlier time, perhaps to the early Victorian age when it was called Japan Pink. Large single flowers in white, pink and red shades have contrasting stitchery and jagged pointed petal edges. A cool season annual. Listed in an American seed catalog in 1903.

One of my favorites, Rehmannia produces spikes of gloxinia-shaped flowers with a delicious raspberry color; the yellow throats dotted inside with carmine. The textured leaves grow in rosettes and turn deep red in fall, spreading readily by runners. Listed in a 1915 seed catalog for florists.

Lush and lovely ‘French Quarter’ coleus abounds with seductive color for your shade to sun combo pots, and the filigree veining in large leaves is reminiscent of ironwork balconies in that landmark neighborhood. You will love its easy ability to decorate your summer pots, perhaps on your balcony?

Award winning 'Henna' is simply outstanding in the garden and in pots. Frilly edged chartreuse leaves flash magenta to burgundy undersides, more sun deepening the colors to a coppery bronze. Stays flower free all summer and is nice and bushy.

Plant these seeds and colorful striped leaves will soon come, just be sure to sow when the soil has warmed. The perfect backdrop to other grains such as amaranth and quinoa, it also can be restrained by growing in a container, where it will mix well with vigorous annuals such as Sweet potato vine.